“We need this guy over my left shoulder to be Jessie Sapp.” That’s what Coach Thompson said when asked about Jessie Sapp’s performance vs. Rutgers. Jessie’s numbers weren’t overwhelming; they never are. But just like what people expect from Jessie Sapp, the value of the contributions is much more significant than the numbers on a stat sheet.

Being Jessie Sapp means making critical contributions at critical times; doing what is needed, when it’s needed. Sometimes it means scoring, like in the West Virginia game or Syracuse game from last season. This season, what the team needs most could be collecting a defensive rebound, grabbing a steal, or controlling a loose ball.

The unmistakable element of Sapp’s game throughout his career at Georgetown has been his toughness. Even though he is no less tough this season, that characteristic has not been on display as clearly lately. Last season, the Hoyas’ senior class consisted of four players who all shared the leadership responsibilities. This year, Jessie has to do it on his own, and it is difficult being the only senior leader of a team. At this point in the season Sapp’s only choice is to lead. After all of the work that JTIII and last season’s senior class have done to re-establish Georgetown Basketball, Sapp does not want to end up in the N.I.T. Missing the NCAA tournament would be an absolute disaster for a senior who won a Big East Tournament and played in the Final Four just two seasons ago.

February goes by quickly, and right now it’s easy to see that the sun is setting on Sapp’s career. Seniors always get a glimpse of how short a college career is in the final days of their senior season, and that’s what Jessie is entering now, whether the Hoyas win or lose the next ten games. Winning and losing over the next six weeks will be partly about execution and partly about effort and toughness. The X’s and O’s are up to Coach Thompson, but bringing toughness to the court and to his teammates is something that Jessie Sapp can do. He has done it, and he needs to do it again. In other words, Jessie, just be yourself.